Do you remember the plague that killed millions of Europeans in the Middle Ages? What was one of the most feared diseases ever, so much so as to mark entire generations, has returned to be talked about, at least in California. A resident of South Lake Tahoe was positive but, fortunately, with the right medical treatments it is already recovering.
How did you get infected? According to the health officials of the County of El Dorado, who declared that they had been informed of the situation from the Public Health Department of California (CDPH), the contagion took place through the bite of an infected flea while the man was camping in the area of Lake Tahoe, a popular mountain tourist destination.
Few know that, albeit very rare, the bubonic plague still exists, but thanks to antibiotics and better hygienic conditions, mortality is much lower than the Middle Ages.
Kyle Fliflet, interim director of public health of the county of El Dorado said:
The plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including the highest areas of the county of El Dorado. It is important that people take precautions for themselves and for their pets when they are outdoors, especially during walks, excursions and/or camping in areas where wild rodents are present.
According to the data of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States there are on average 7 cases of plague per year, especially in the western states such as California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.
How the plague is transmitted today
The bacterium Yersinia Pestisresponsible for the plague, is broadcast mainly through the stamps of fleas that live on wild rodents, such as squirrels and Tamia. These small parasites, apparently harmless, can become vehicles of the bacterium, transmitting it to man when they accidentally bite a person. Even pets, in particular dogs and cats that come into contact with infected rodents, can act as an involuntary vehicle, increasing the risk of contagion.
The most widespread form in the United States today is the bubonic plague, so called because it makes swell and painful lymph nodes, called “bubboni”, which represent the distinctive sign of the disease. The initial symptoms include high fever, chills, headache and general weakness, very similar to those of a heavy flu.
After the puncture of the infected flea, the signs of the disease generally manifest themselves within two to eight days (in any case within 2 weeks), making a timely diagnosis crucial to ensure effective treatment and reduce the risk of serious complications.
How to defend yourself
The authorities of the county of El Dorado recommend some precautions for those who explore nature around Lake Tahoe:
Dr. Melanie Ott, an expert in infectious diseases, reassures:
“With timely antibiotics, the plague is curable. We must not escape from the woods, but know the risks“.
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